VIBE

Glamorous, festive Old World. Let’s start with the eclectic, opulent dining room: wrought-iron chandeliers dangle from vaulted ceilings, adding a gothic touch to the otherwise art-deco-meets-baroque look (think: onyx Chinoiserie paneling and pink marble columns). (It’s hard to believe this was once something as mundane as a car showroom or banking offices!) The fabulous setting draws beautiful people, and their lively chatter energizes the space, as does the cheerful to-ing and fro-ing of the friendly staff. The brasserie fare attempts to reach the same stunning heights as the surrounds and scene, but most come for the brilliant atmosphere.

CROWD

A diverse but ever-affluent mix of suited financial-sector types, fashionistas, day-trippers, ladies who lunch, and hip little "trust funders."

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Sophisticated casual–a sleek day dress and edgy accessories would work.

GO HERE WITH

A date; friends; colleagues or clients

WHY WE LIKE IT

The ever-glam, eclectic space and the "beautiful people" crowd make for happy dining. The decadent afternoon tea is one of the most stylish in town.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Not much.

GOOD TO KNOW

Even if you don’t have a reservation, it’s worth trying your luck–they always keep some tables available for walk-ins, and there’s also overflow seating in the bar and café areas. If you’re going for afternoon tea, know that it starts at 3:00pm sharp. Also with such stylish people surrounding you, photographs just simply can’t be allowed.

CLOSEST COMPS

The Ivy (London); The Four Seasons (New York)

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